Citation

Ward J. Am. City Cty. 1999; 114(4): 5 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Penton Media)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Buffalo, New York's snow- and ice-clearing ability dwarfs that of most cities its size, as well as many much smaller. Planning and cooperation help, but its success lies in the fact that snow is never seen as something to be feared or dreaded. With data from the National Weather Service, the Niagara International Transportation Technology Center, and other meteorologists, the city is rarely surprised by a storm. When data indicate a major storm, highway crews immediately switch to 12-hour shifts. Salt supplies are checked and rechecked, as is equipment. If the city's 50-vehicle snow-fighting fleet is not enough, they turn to their Mutual Aid Agreement with Erie County Highway Commission. Main roads get the first, and most consistent treatment, with side streets in residential areas next on the priority list. However, street parking can make many streets impossible to plow.